Do you know someone who always has safety in mind? Is there someone on your job site who saved a life or provided information that saves lives every day? Nominate those safety champions for the Safety Matters Awards. The annual award recognizes outstanding contributions in physical and mental health safety by unionized sheet metal workers and contractors.
We would like to introduce a NEW award for 2024! The Wellness category encompasses all the activities we do beyond the job site that keeps us safe while we’re on the job.
Examples of safety and wellness initiatives include:
- Organizing a weekly pickleball game
- Performing life-saving techniques on a co-worker, such as CPR or administering naloxone
- Implementing a new safety protocol that resulted in less injuries on the job
- Connecting members with SMART MAP mentors for support
Nominate yourself or someone else for a safety or wellness award today!
The deadline to submit your nomination is June 14, 2024.
Congratulations to our Safety Matters Awards 2022 winners!
Kurt Christiansen
Kurt Christiansen, OSHA Instructor, Christiansen Heating and Sheet Metal
Kenosha, Wisconsin
The first safety class many apprentices take is OSHA 30, and at Local 18 in Wisconsin, they take that class from Kurt Christiansen. When it was instituted that all members be up to date on OSHA 30, Kurt made sure to meet the demand. He recently revamped the sheet metal safety class to include additional content such as hoisting and rigging, and he provides extra help to students and makes certain he’s up on his own CEUs. David Stuart, director of apprenticeships at Milwaukee Area Technical College, said of Kurt, “When thinking of a candidate for a Safety Matters Award, I cannot think of a more qualified candidate than Kurt Christiansen.”
Maleeta Dailey
Maleeta Dailey, Safety Director, CMC Sheet Metal
Capitol Heights, Maryland
Maleeta Dailey has been with CMC for more than 11 years, and has been the company’s safety director for the last few. Since she took the position, not only has the company’s EMR decreased, there is also a continuous momentum and improvement across all aspects of health and safety. Her proactive and preventive outlook allows for people to absorb the information, feel comfortable about reporting an unsafe situation and provides an environment that is respectful, collegial and supportive. “Maleeta also displays a commitment to health and safety in the workplace,” said Don Hammond, president of CMC Sheet Metal. “Her commitment goes beyond the requirements of an employee’s role.”
Richard DaCosta
Richard DaCosta, Certified Joint Health and Safety Representative/COR auditor, Nortex Roofing
Toronto, Ontario
No one can truly understand the levels Richard DaCosta will go to keep his co-workers safe better than the person he saved. A certified first aid instructor and Certificate of Recognition (COR) auditor, Richard used his quick thinking and first aid skills to open the airway of a co-worker who was not breathing after a serious seizure. “Our investigation and review clearly indicated that his actions, along with another leader, saved the man’s life,” said Patrick Robak, health and safety coordinator for Nortex Roofing. “Richard shows initiative and is head and shoulders above everyone else in the industry.”
Superior Duct Fabrication Pomona
Superior Duct Fabrication Pomona
Pomona, California
Over the last year, Superior Duct Fabrication in Pomona has undergone a safety program revamp. In 2022, the new hire orientation for shop employees was updated, as were the annual requirements for mandatory safety training, implementing high-hazard job hazard analysis (JHA), hazard communication processes, and weekly toolbox talk training. A safety incentive program is also in the works. Danni Acevedo, safety director for Superior Duct Fabrication, summed up their philosophy, saying “As leaders in our industry, we not only want to improve and ensure the safety to our current workforce but also help inspire the incoming generations of workers.”
William Kessler
William Kessler, Safety Director/Instructor, R.F. Knox Company/Georgia Sheet Metal JATC
Atlanta, Georgia
William “Bill” Kessler has been teaching OSHA, CPR and first aid at Local 85 for over a decade. As the safety director at R.F. Knox Company, Bill has a passion and expertise for health and safety practices that spill over to his apprentices and co-workers. These apprentices have the opportunity to learn from Bill, who shares his experiences on many large-scale projects, including how to ensure safe work practices and identify hazards so workers can avoid them. “Bill is very deserving of recognition for his contributions in the safety arena,” said Alan Still, Local 85 apprenticeship coordinator.